19 Impressive Benefits of Molasses

The health benefits of molasses include relief from menstruation-related problems, obesity, diabetes, stress, cancer, enlarged prostate, acne, and other skin disorders. It also provides relief from constipation, headaches, and anemia. It helps improve bone and hair health, maintain electrolyte balance, sexual health, the functioning of the nervous system, and speeds wound healing. It also helps strengthen the immune system, maintain healthy levels of hemoglobin, and improve the formation of new cells in the body.

It is a dense, viscous by-product obtained from the processing of sugar cane and sugar beet into table sugar. It derives its name from the Latin word for honey, mel. Its viscosity and thick texture gave rise to the famous designation of something or someone being “slow as molasses” for any slow-moving thing.

Historically, molasses was produced in the Caribbean, where the cultivation of sugarcane and sugar beet was the highest. From there, it was imported to the United States during the early 20th century. Today, it is produced on a large scale in Thailand, India, Taiwan, Brazil, the Philippines, and the United States. Along with its usage as a sweetener in food products, it also offers health benefits and is used for treating a wide range of disorders.

Types of Molasses

Blackstrap Molasses: It is obtained from raw cane sugar and canned sugar refining. It is also known as final molasses in cane mills and refinery molasses in a refinery setting.

Cane Molasses: This is a by-product of the refining of sugar from sugar cane juice and beet molasses is a by-product of the extraction of sucrose from sugar beets.

Sulfured Molasses: Molasses is also referred to as sulfured molasses if it has been extracted from young sugarcane and treated with sulfur dioxide for preservation.

Unsulfured molasses: Molasses extracted from ripe sugarcane does not need sulfur and retains its rich and light flavor. This variety is referred to as unsulfured molasses.

Hydrol: Molasses obtained from starch hydrolysis is called a hydrol.

The nutritional content and quality of molasses depend on the method involved in its refining process, the ripeness of the plant from which it is extracted, and the quantity of sugar that is extracted.

Health Benefits of Molasses

Blackstrap molasses is a nourishing sweetener containing a considerable amount of nutrients that are essential for the functioning of the body. Refined white sugar, on the other hand, contains simple carbohydrates and other components like aspartame, which is not very healthy for the body.

Antioxidant Properties

Research studies have shown that blackstrap molasses contains the highest amount of antioxidants as compared to refined sugar, corn syrup, raw cane sugar, and other readily available sweeteners. These antioxidants protect the body against the oxidative damage associated with cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and degenerative diseases. This makes it a much better alternative to refined sugar.

Prevents Menstrual Cramps

Molasses is a good source of iron and is very effective for menstruating women who are at major risk of iron deficiency due to blood loss. With no fat and very few calories, it is a better alternative for contributing iron to the body as compared to other fatty sources like red meat. Iron prevents various disorders like menorrhagia which causes excessive blood flow for a longer duration during menstruation. The minerals such as magnesium and calcium present in it help prevent the clotting of blood, relieve menstrual cramps, and maintain the health of uterine muscles. It is a healthy alternative, as compared to other medications for menstrual discomfort which might have certain side effects.

Manages Weight

The polyphenols present in molasses have antioxidant effects which may prove effective in reducing obesity and managing weight. In the investigation conducted to assess the impact of molasses on a high-fat diet, it was evident that its extract helps in lowering body weight and fat content by reducing the absorption of calories in the body.

Improves Sexual Health

Blackstrap molasses is rich in the trace mineral manganese, which helps in the healthy production of sex hormones. It plays a vital role in the functioning of the nervous system, prevention of blood clots, and production of energy from proteins and carbohydrates. A deficiency of manganese can lead to infertility, general fatigue, and weak bones.

Treats Constipation

Molasses has been proven to be valuable in treating constipation. Research studies have shown that milk and molasses enemas are as effective as sodium phosphate enemas given in the pediatric emergency department to cure constipation. It is also noteworthy that curing constipation with sodium phosphate requires an additional rectal treatment. However, it is not required after a treatment done with milk and molasses enemas, when consumed orally.

Keeps Bones Healthy

Blackstrap molasses is a good source of calcium, which plays an important role in maintaining bone health, the functioning of the enzyme system, removal of toxins from the colon, and cell membrane function. It is also required to maintain healthy teeth and protects the body against bone diseases common during menopause. In addition to healthier bones, the ability of muscular contraction is also attributed to the presence of calcium in the body.

Treats Rheumatism

Molasses has been effectively utilized in the preparation of a medication for treating rheumatism and neuralgia. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of molasses make it a reliable ingredient for curing such disorders.

Manages Diabetes

Blackstrap molasses helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels. It has a moderate glycemic index and aids in slowing the metabolism of glucose and carbohydrates, which subsequently means less insulin production. This helps in preventing the accumulation of excess fats or lipids in the bloodstream. It possesses a substantial amount of the essential trace element of chromium, which is valuable in relation to insulin action and maintenance of glucose tolerance in the body as well. Scientific research has shown that it contains the highest amount of chromium (0.266 mg/kg) as compared to refined white sugar and brown sugar. A deficiency of chromium can result in weak glucose tolerance which can lead to diabetes. This can represent a serious risk for chronic diseases like atherosclerosis, blood cholesterol, and other cardiac disorders.

Prevents Hypokalemia

Molasses contains the essential mineral potassium, which is required for the proper functioning of cells. It helps in maintaining the acid-base balance of the body and prevents heat exhaustion. Potassium also plays an important role in nerve and muscle contraction and helps to maintain cardiac health. Adequate intake of potassium-rich foods like molasses helps prevent disorders like hypokalemia and reduces blood pressure as well.

Relieves Acne

The health benefits of molasses include relief from acne. It contains lactic acid, which helps in relieving the symptoms of acne. Lactic acid is produced by lactic acid bacteria and plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. It is effectively used in natural, non-toxic, and non-allergenic treatments of a physiological nature for curing acne, and other skin disorders. Apart from molasses, lactic acid is also present in sour milk, apples, and tomato juice.

Speeds up Healing

Molasses has been used for its effects in the treatment of wounds and skin burns. It also promotes the healthy growth of tissues. Due to the wide range of essential minerals, it serves very well as a potent healer.

Increases Red Blood Cell Formation

Molasses is rich in copper, which aids in eradicating free radicals from the body. It helps in the absorption of iron, the formation of red blood cells and maintains a healthy immune system. A deficiency of copper can result in anemia, thyroid problems, cardiac arrhythmia, and osteoporosis.

Maintains Hemoglobin Levels

The iron content in molasses helps maintain healthy levels of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin plays a key role in supplying oxygen from lungs to other parts of the body. It is also vital for the production of energy and aids in boosting the metabolism.

Promotes Growth

Blackstrap molasses is sometimes referred to as pregnancy tea, owing to the presence of iron, vitamin B (i.e. folate), and other essential minerals. Consumption of this tea during pregnancy provides calcium, which is required for the growth and development of the baby.

Maintains Healthy Nervous System

Molasses contains magnesium, which helps in the functioning of the nervous system. It relaxes our nerves and blood vessels by balancing calcium volume and blocking it from rushing into the nerves. Unblocked and speedy flows of calcium into the nerves can over-activate them and lead to the transmission of too many signals and excessive nerve contraction. A deficiency of magnesium in the body can lead to hypertension, muscle cramps, spasms, and general body fatigue.

Prevents Headache & Fatigue

Blackstrap molasses is a good source of minerals and vitamins such as vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid. The deficiency of these vitamins can cause headaches, asthma, fatigue, and stress. Consumption of molasses helps provide these required vitamins and minerals and maintains good overall health.

Treats Cancer

Apart from several vitamins and minerals, blackstrap molasses also contains selenium, which is beneficial in the treatment of cancer.

Hair Care

Molasses extracts are good for hair and they promote healthy hair growth. Molasses softens and conditions the hair, adds a rich texture, and prevents it from prematurely graying.

Uses of Black Molasses

There are many uses explained in detail below.

Culinary Uses

Molasses is quite popular for its use in baked goods like pies, gingerbread, and baked beans. It is also used in the manufacturing of rum, which is one of the reasons that rum is so popular in the areas where sugarcane cultivation and molasses production is in abundance. It is also utilized in providing rich, dark texture and flavor to brown sugar.

Other Uses

It has been effectively used for animal feeds. It is a source of carbon and is effectively used in horticulture to feed the microbes and boost the microbial activity of the soil. Beet molasses is also used to make fertilizer.

It is a beneficial sweetener that is rich in naturally available micro and macronutrients.

Some people might develop allergic reactions due to a sensitivity towards the sulfite present in sulfured molasses. Unsulfured molasses is free of sulfur dioxide and safe to use in such cases. However, it is always advisable to obtain medical consent before considering it as a therapeutic remedy for various medical conditions.

Black Molasses FAQs

What is Blackstrap Molasses?

Blackstrap molasses is a by-product of another process, the one that turns sugarcane or sugar beets into sugar. While these aren’t the only two substances that are used to make sugar, most of the by-products from other sugar-production methods are syrup. Blackstrap molasses is unusual due to its viscous nature and extremely potent taste. Molasses from beet sugar usually tastes foul, but sugarcane molasses is commonly a sweetening agent in other foods.

Where to buy Blackstrap Molasses?

You can buy blackstrap molasses in many groceries, gourmet, and natural food stores since it is widely popular and easy to produce. It has also become a staple of certain food production methods, such as brown sugar. Blackstrap molasses is available in local whole food stores around the world, as well as big-box stores and national chains, such as Walmart. Herbalists and natural health practitioners also carry it.

Is Molasses Healthy?

Molasses is very healthy for you, primarily because of its dense nutritional content. With high levels of minerals and vitamins, it can positively affect a number of processes in your body. It can do everything from reducing stress and easing indigestion to increasing blood circulation and building stronger bones. A single tablespoon is also high in protein and provides a burst of sugar and carbohydrates.

What does Molasses mean?

The word molasses is derived from melaco (in Portuguese), which was, in turn, a remnant of “mel” in late Latin, meaning honey. Molasses does resemble honey in many ways, with its thick, viscous appearance, although the color itself is different. The addition of “blackstrap” as a prefix to molasses came from America, referencing a bitter variety of molasses.

What is Molasses?

Molasses is the by-product that can be saved and used following the production of sugar. It is typically a thick syrup or treacle and comes in a variety of forms, depending on what substance is used to extract the sugar from. Sugarcane and sugar beets tend to produce thicker molasses, although sugar beet molasses has a strong, foul taste, and is usually not considered palatable for human consumption.

What does Molasses taste like?

Molasses comes in three varieties – light, dark, and blackstrap – all of which come from different foods processed into sugar. Light molasses has a sweet or mild taste, while dark molasses is richer and full-bodied, almost like saccharine at times, which is why it’s used to flavor sweet desserts and dishes. Blackstrap molasses tends to be bitter and unpleasant to eat alone by itself.

How to use Molasses?

You can use molasses in any number of ways, but due to the flavor profile, it is commonly included in desserts and other sweet treats as a flavoring agent. However, as a natural health remedy, it can be orally consumed (most common), diluted with water for a hair treatment, spread topically on the skin, mixed with tea or coffee, glazed on vegetables or mixed in a protein-packed power ball!

How much Blackstrap Molasses should I take?

It is generally considered safe to consume 1 tablespoon (20ml) every morning if you are trying to make it a regular part of your health regimen.

Is Blackstrap Molasses Good for You?

Yes, blackstrap molasses can be very good for you, since it delivers a concentrated dose of minerals and nutrients, without driving your calorie or fat intake through the roof. Blackstrap molasses can be used for skin and hair care, digestive processes, blood sugar regulation, cholesterol controlling, circulation issues, and even metabolic functions!

The best ways to consume blackstrap molasses would be to blend it into a strong coffee or use it as a flavoring agent in desserts such as fruitcakes or gingerbread. However, you can just plug your nose and slurp down a tablespoon and see the effects your body will thank you for!